This has been debated on a bunch of Toyota/Lexus forums because the sister models (ES/Avalon for example) have some differences of what is available on one, but not the other. I believe the general end of the discusssion is it is doable, but the parts list could be long and expensive.

Check out the New Generation Venza, the new one has retractable mirrors on I believe the Limited model.

 

The current Harrier (the Japanese version of the Highlander) also has power folding mirrors. Sometimes the overseas versions of the models can be a source of parts.

There's a remote possibility that you could fit parts from another Toyota product and make them work, but it will take time to research the options and the money to buy the parts and experiment.

 

Free Shipping automatic folding - unfolding mechanism mirrors For Toyota RAV4 2019-2020

I was looking at this the other day when I was checking out their sequential mirror signal lights. There is a YouTube video that someone managed to install the kit in a NA Rav4. In order to figure out if we have a remote chance that this kit will work for the Highlander we need to confirm that the outside mirrors are the same as the ones for the RAV4; the plug under the steering column is the same or can be modified to work; and where limited and platinum trim owners can put the mirror switch. I have the XLE trim and I have two blank spots by the auto highbeam for the new switch. In the new Venza the folding mirror switch is on the driver's door arm rest above the mirror adjustment switch.

 

we need to confirm that the outside mirrors are the same as the ones for the RAV4;

If they're identical, and Toyota, and every other manufacturer, loves to raid the communal parts bin, won't the part numbers be the same?

 

Would love to have Power Folding Mirrors. Hope someone can figure it out.
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-Mike

 

I recommend looking and comparing the electrical wiring diagram's of US-models and whatever non-US models of the same body to determine how they would work prior to buying anything. Or find a way to make it work with your own wiring. Doing that research is the most beneficial.

This may be old information, it may even be for the wrong vehicle, but the what they did is what you need to figure out until someone else comes up with it.

DIY:LED power folding mirrors w/ JDM OEM switch assembly...

So finally had the time to take some pics and redo my LED power folding mirrors with the JDM switch.Hopefully this will end all the questions about this particular mod for the Gen6 Camry:lol:.So here you guys go and hopefully it helps everyone. PARTS NEEDED: wire hanger twist-on wire connectors...

www.toyotanation.com

 

Power folding mirrors
Some interesting reading for the diehards. I don't think it would be a straight swap since we have to access the screws from the mirror side vs. the RAV4 from the front when we do the sequential mirror lights.

 

.02 from someone who has done that on a GM

The mirrors on my 20 Highlander and 20 Rav4 are identical in appearance and could be physically swapped and andy function in common to both mirrors would work. Swapping sequential flashers for OEM static ones is nothing like adding folding mirrors becuase the ECU can't distinguish between the two, i.e. just send the same popwer signal to each. But adding all the parts including the driver's control panel with the fold/unfold buttons wiring necessary for connecting is no assurance that the additional function will operate.

I added power folding mirrors to my '12 Avalanche LT which did not have that OEM option but which was available on the upgraded LTZ trim for the '12. Internal wiring and connector was there so I added the new mirrors and the upgraded driver control pad containing the fold/unfold switch. Once everything was connected all the previous functions except the new fold function on the folding mirrors worked.

Seems the components in modern OBD2 vehciles are networked and controlled digitally by the ECU, BCU etc., the days of point to point wiring are gone. Eg. for the dozen+ buttons in the steering wheel you only have a few wires sending digital signals over the network instead of bypassing the ECU with a wiring harness the size of your forearm doing a point to point connection. So even with all the parts physically installed, the main ECU and the processor in the control switch had to be reprogrammed to recognize that the folding mirrors were in the system and the new control buttons would work. And once reprogrammed by the dealer the folding mirrors and all function worked perfectly. But this only worked because the '12 Avalanche has the folding mirrors as an OEM option for the LTZ trim so the Chevy programming existed for installing the option on my LT.

So might want to do a little research first before spending the bucks on parts because the mirrors may require reprogramming of the ECU and or new controller switch for folding mirrors to operate. And unlike my GM, Toyota does not offer folding mirrors as an option on any trim Highlander so there may not be a way to program the ECU/BCU to recognize and operate this function even if all parts are installed. And even though folding mirrors are available on the Lexus, doubtful whether any dealer would try to program a Toyota Highlander with programming designed for a different make/model vehcile.

 

.02 from someone who has done that on a GM

The mirrors on my 20 Highlander and 20 Rav4 are identical in appearance and could be physically swapped and andy function in common to both mirrors would work. Swapping sequential flashers for OEM static ones is nothing like adding folding mirrors becuase the ECU can't distinguish between the two, i.e. just send the same popwer signal to each. But adding all the parts including the driver's control panel with the fold/unfold buttons wiring necessary for connecting is no assurance that the additional function will operate.

I added power folding mirrors to my '12 Avalanche LT which did not have that OEM option but which was available on the upgraded LTZ trim for the '12. Internal wiring and connector was there so I added the new mirrors and the upgraded driver control pad containing the fold/unfold switch. Once everything was connected all the previous functions except the new fold function on the folding mirrors worked.

Seems the components in modern OBD2 vehciles are networked and controlled digitally by the ECU, BCU etc., the days of point to point wiring are gone. Eg. for the dozen+ buttons in the steering wheel you only have a few wires sending digital signals over the network instead of bypassing the ECU with a wiring harness the size of your forearm doing a point to point connection. So even with all the parts physically installed, the main ECU and the processor in the control switch had to be reprogrammed to recognize that the folding mirrors were in the system and the new control buttons would work. And once reprogrammed by the dealer the folding mirrors and all function worked perfectly. But this only worked because the '12 Avalanche has the folding mirrors as an OEM option for the LTZ trim so the Chevy programming existed for installing the option on my LT.

So might want to do a little research first before spending the bucks on parts because the mirrors may require reprogramming of the ECU and or new controller switch for folding mirrors to operate. And unlike my GM, Toyota does not offer folding mirrors as an option on any trim Highlander so there may not be a way to program the ECU/BCU to recognize and operate this function even if all parts are installed. And even though folding mirrors are available on the Lexus, doubtful whether any dealer would try to program a Toyota Highlander with programming designed for a different make/model vehcile.

See the video above, no ecu programming needed.

 

The video that is on the page where you purchase the auto folding mechanism above is awesome. You want to know how to do it, that guy is great!

 

This looks it would work on the Highlander but I am not sure if it would work on the mirrors that have signals on them?

 

IF IF IF that $200 kit fits, it seems to hit all the bases. My Platinum has a spot for the manual switch. But it is a question if the harness will work as my car has BSM, Bird’s Eye, heat, tilt, etc.... I read where a UK person had camera issues with one version of the controller. I found, via Alibaba, the Taiwanese company that makes the mirror motor parts, but not the kit (that I could find.). The Malaysian version of the RAV4 has lots, if not all, the mirror features but I could not readily figure out if it has automatic retract. It is noteworthy (and I will verify by physical inspection) that base of the RAV4 mirror may be different.

Any body have a good online parts catalog?

 

subbd

 

Riddle me this fans of automatic retracting mirrors:

(unless the Toyota website is wrong and the owners manual is wrong)

Why does the new Venza get the automatic retracting mirrors??????

Those DO have have a single setting to program via TechStream. Worth probing to see if the functionality exists already.....

 

Because it's a Venza.

 

NO, NO, NO, what is interesting is that the automatic retract function is offered in a North American Toyota. This means the motor assembly is in the North American Toyota parts stream. This is a departure from the idea that this feature is reserved for Lexus in our market.

This mirror looks like it shares parts with the RAV4 and hence may be like our Gen 4 Highlander.

 

Under what conditions would you want it to retract automatically?

I can definitely see a use for it when pulling in a tight space or going to the car wash, but those would be manual operations.

 

You jest, right? Tongue firmly in cheek?

My use cases include parking lots, food drive throughs, garage parking, and other tight (for our size) situations. It is impractical or a pita for most of those situations to get out and later get out again to flatten the ears.

It is a safety thing for people walking past the vehicle too. Mirrors (and these are expensive multifunction ones) get snagged and damaged all the time. The added cost of the function far far less than repairing a damaged mirror assembly.

Remember the Highlander footprint is bigger than most of the Toyota lineup. The bigger models need this as a safety feature.

 

No, I don't jest at all. I get the idea of power folding mirrors in certain situations, but not the automatic part.

I've never thought of the Highlander as being that big. So is the point of auto folding mirrors to fold them whenever you put the car in Park? It's just not something I've ever worried about when parking the car. I don't ever parallel park on a street, so maybe that's why.

 

All in what you used to and the environment.

I have 3 car garage. Ruby barely fits. I use the cameras to squeeze her in.

Many shopping parking lots have every narrow spots here.

I have had issues in drive through lines with the ears sticking out.

She is slightly rotund.

The automatic retracting has become important to me.

 

Not sure exactly where this Youtube review of a 2020 Highlander Hybrid is from - seems like the middle east - but they show OEM power side view mirror at 2:05

 

Well, that's encouraging. Why retrofit when you can go OEM. Now the search is on for a supplier.

 

https://www.toyota.com.sa/en/vehicles/suv/Highlander/Full-Specs
Looks like Toyota of Saudi Arabia Offers the Highlander and comes with auto retract side mirrors.

 

Waiting for someone to buy the parts from middle east!

 

I can not navigate their parts website......the site stops being in English.....grrrr

Look close at the pictures and specs. There are more differences.

Plus no online owners manuals.

 

Looked at a friends new 2021 Forerunner and it has the same mirror but with a different base. Looks like they are standardizing the mirrors.

 

When I did my sequential signal lights I took pictures of the folding mechanism and the bracket that is attached to the motor for the Highlander do not look anything like the Rav4, 4 Runner, Sienna nor Landcruiser. My think is can we take the mounting bracket out and swap it with another kit like the Rav4.

 

I have one spot to put the aftermarket switch if I go that route.

 

Cmon people! If it helps I will pitch in $50 towards someone able bodied to test this out with parts in the interest of research.

 

I'm willing to do $50 as well if we could get this confirmed some how. I would do it but till next year my work schedule is keeping me too busy now.

 

If you go back and check out the link of the video I posted, it's totally do-able. In the video, the guy wanted to keep his mirrors as they had side warning so he just swapped in the motor portion. That's what I'd do too because I have heated mirrors and the kit (I think) doesn't have either of those functions. The wiring would be easy too as I have a spot near my left knee that has an opening and the kit has an OEM type switch... after all that, I'm not that motivated to spend the time, money, etc. to do this.

 

Had folding mirrors on previous miracles, but they didn't autofold on exit/entry, only operated with separate driver door buttons so there was no entry in software settings to set or defeat the autofold feature.

On occasion we have freezing rain in the Winter and you wake to find a thick layer of ice on the the windows and mirrors. My concern would be absent a way to disable if there was a thick ice buildup on the folded mirrors and the motor would be damaged trying to unfold the stuck mirror.....then would you have chip some ice to use the emergency key instead of the keyfob? Might want to look into vehicles where this is offered as an option to see if they have a software setting o enable/disable the feature along with buttons for manual control by the driver.

 

I drove the Lexus version of the RAV4 for a few days. It had the automatic folding mirrors. You could disable the feature with the switch. Lock the car and they folded. Maybe even do it manually (without the car locked) but I have forgotten. Have to review the NX200 manual for that.

Note the Venza and Sienna have the feature available as does the Middle Eastern version of Highlander.

The aftermarket RAV4 kit is OK, but at this point I am not willing to experiment on my new Highlander with a kit that “might” work.....

 

Would so do this if I could source the oem motors/parts from S.A. Aftermarket is a non-starter given our extreme winters. Can't risk these motors seizing on me at an inopportune time.

 

I looked into buying a used Gen 4 folding mirror to experiment with, but $400+ for a used one was a non starter.

The aftermarket comes with a new frame because it is likely different than the spring loaded OE frame. They would not give you a frame if you could undo some things and swap the motor.

If you are worried about the mirror freezing then don’t use the feature that time of year. Lots of things are not fool proof.

The Saudi Arabian version may have a distributor installed kit or since they tend not to freeze there they think it is OK to offer. But Toyota does offer it on some US models maybe those motors fit but then you need all the rest of the bits to work......

Last I looked the stock mirror switch assembly that supports the auto folding feature is significantly different than what our Gen4 Highlanders have.

I am in a holding pattern for this upgrade, yet I think about it every time I need to squeeze past in the garage......

 

If you are worried about the mirror freezing then don’t use the feature that time of year. Lots of things are not fool proof.

Understood and we will adapt as we have with all mechanicals in our extreme climes. Pretty certain that the oem one would be more robust and have a higher duty cycle than the aftermarket equivalent.